The Visiting Vet - FAQ





What should I expect on my first visit?

Prepare for three hours (yes three!) of asking, listening, teaching and sharing. I hang out on the floor playing and talking. I want to know the entire "story" of your relationship with your pet, your observations and your "gut" feelings.

I will do a traditional physical exam but obtain other information via "muscle testing" as well as feeling acupuncture points on the body. While we talk, I am constantly observing the body in motion. I am a touchy-feely palpation vet and combine the information I gather from your observations with my palpation and extensive observations to prepare a plan to achieve wellness.

I treat the whole body as a (w) holistic veterinarian. So we will discuss at length:

  • Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition
  • Vaccines - pros and cons and timing
  • Exercise
  • Preventative Care
  • Techniques you can learn to take care of your own animal; i.e. ear cleaning, nail trimming
  • Acupressure/Acupuncture
  • Fleas
  • Cleanse, Repair, Rebuild and Support


What does Dr. Rice need from you?

I need caregivers to be mindful that their state of mind and anxiety transfers to the animals. Therefore, a nice walk prior to the appointment allows the owner to get into a rhythm of slow deliberate breathing while the pet burns off excess energy and has the opportunity to empty bowel and bladder. After my arrival and we start talking I need caregivers to mindfully breathe, slowly touch or stroke their pet and mentally slow their thinking. All of these patterns allow our first visit to be positive and allows me to obtain as much information as possible to create wellness.



I've heard that my puppy shouldn't go into a class until they have had all his/her shots. What's your opinion?

The critical period for socialization for dogs lasts from the 4th to the 14th week of life. During this time, dogs learn about their environment, other dogs, and people. Poorly socialized dogs are more likely to exhibit behaviors that make them unsuitable as a pet and result in relinquishment to an animal shelter or euthanasia. Thus, the likelihood of death due to poor socialization is greater than the likelihood of illness or death due to contagious disease- as long as the puppy class is managed properly. All puppy classes should: only mix puppies of similar age, require that all puppies have their 1st vaccination several days before the beginning of the class and be held on an indoor surface that can be sanitized. Clean all puppy waste immediately and disinfect the soiled area. Do not allow any puppies into the class that shows of illness.